The middle of the field: taking stock

[etherdome]

Going into this off season, the Falcons' weaknesses were at positions in the middle of the field.  Unfortunately, the middle of the field happens to be where most of the action takes place.  Here are the stress points and what we have done about them:

Interior OL.  (Signed Alex Mack)

This was the worst unit, by far.  Alex Mack will go a long way to improve this unit, but doubts remain about the guards playing next to him.  For now, it appears that Levitre and Person will occupy the guard positions.  We all hope that they will be at least serviceable.  Our short yardage offense will depend on their production.

Let's consider this unit as tentatively passable, but we should continue to look for guards.

 

Running Back.

Freeman really impressed last season.  I have to confess that I did not think he had it in him.  He will remain our go-to RB, but I don't think that he can carry a full-time load.  

Coleman is fast, but his ball security problems in college have followed him into the NFL.  He has a bad habit of carrying the ball low and in his left arm.  Defenders watch film and they prey on such flaws in technique.  Coleman has to fix this problem and he has to do it now.  Regardless of his technique, he does not strike me as the sort of RB that can get the tough three yards.

Ward is a tough guy, even though he is a bit small for that role.  

RB is OK, for now, but let's not ignore any big RB's that might fall into our laps in the draft. 

 

Interior DL.  (no FA transactions, but may be a draft priority)

While everyone (including myself) appreciate what Babineaux has done for us, he is entering the declining years of his career.  He is a smallish DT that relies on speed to get to the QB.  He has played a lot of snaps and I think that he has already defied the odds by avoiding any significant injuries.  It would be reasonable to expect his production to decline.  

Jarrett has shown promise, and may indeed step into Bab's shoes very soon.  Can we expect Jarrett to replicate what Babineaux has done?  It is possible, but I would not count on it.  For the moment, Jarrett can fill the Under Tackle role behind Babineaux.  

Hageman has the size and athleticism to become great.  Unfortunately, he seems to lack the desire.  I see him as a mediocre DT that will likely look very good during his contract season.  He can stop the run, but does not affect the QB very much.  He concerns me a great deal.  

Mbu is the classic run stopper.  He will probably be used as a situational short yardage NT.  I can't see him collapsing the pocket and working many passing downs.

We could really use a good DT that can stay on the field and collapse the pocket.  

 

MLB (some FA interest has been shown, but nothing concrete yet)

I don't have to rehash Worrilow's deficiencies.  We consistently get burned with passing routes 10-15 yards deep in the middle of the field.  It is clear that we need a better starting MLB......one that can diagnose and move quickly in every direction.

We NEED a MLB.

 

Safety (we have shown some FA interest)

Ricardo Allen was re-signed for good reason.  He played better than expected last season and could turn out to be a pretty good FS.  The SS position is where most of the doubts exist.  Ishmael has potential, but you have to wonder whether he has the overall talent to patrol the deep quadrants and still make an impact in the run game.

At this time, I will list Safety as a desire and not necessarily a NEED.

 

Nickel Back (we are rumored to be interested in Boykin) 

Clearly, Trufant is our star CB.  J Collins will be expected to develop into a starter on the other side.  After all, why draft a physical specimen with little experience in the second round?  Where does that leave Alford?  Personally, I think that Alford should be our nickel back.  I think that he has enough experience to make pre-snap reads and put himself in a position to make plays.  

Doubts persist as to how this will play out.  Perhaps Boykin would be a stabilizing factor.  He has the talent to play anywhere in the field, but he might be best inside the hash marks.  

CB is a possible desire. 

 

Receivers and TE's (we signed Sanu)

It is a bit funny to include WR's and TE's as middle-field players.  We normally think of these players producing outside of the hash marks.  Sanu and Tamme can make plays outside, but make no mistake, they will be called upon more often, to make plays within the hash marks.  The situation with Roddy has been discussed ad-nauseum, so I won't say much except this:  Roddy was not going to get the job done under the present circumstances.  

Sanu will be counted upon to drag across the field to provide Ryan with a target other than Jones.  Is he up to the task?  The FO thinks so and they have made a significant investment in him.  

Tamme will be asked to do the same.  I must admit that I was not impressed with Tamme and that I believe that we need to find another TE.  Jason Witten is the sort of TE that I prefer (Gronk is a once in a generation type TE).  Clearly, none were available in FA.  I wonder whether Hunter Henry is that sort of player.  

TE is a desire this year, but may turn out to be a NEED next season.    

 

 

    

 

[Ben Day Hoe]

This was a great read thanks for posting it. I really think Sanu will be the guy who makes the tough catches for first downs across the middle of the field. Would love to see us draft a DT, LB and SS not necessarily in that order. Should be some solid players to improve our team available.

[CADirtyBird]

4 hours ago, etherdome said:

Freeman really impressed last season.  I have to confess that I did not think he had it in him.  He will remain our go-to RB, but I don't think that he can carry a full-time load.

   Seriously?

[etherdome]

3 minutes ago, CADirtyBird said:

   Seriously?

Banging your head?  Over what?  

I seriously did not think that Freeman would produce as much as he did.  I underestimated him.  I also don't think that he should carry the load by himself.  So, what is the problem?

[CADirtyBird]

2 minutes ago, etherdome said:

Banging your head?  Over what?  

I seriously did not think that Freeman would produce as much as he did.  I underestimated him.  I also don't think that he should carry the load by himself.  So, what is the problem?

I don't think anyone thought Freeman would produce that much, but I do think he showed he can carry load the by himself as a feature back.

[MayorWest13]

4 hours ago, etherdome said:

 

Safety (we have shown some FA interest)

Ricardo Allen was re-signed for good reason.  He played better than expected last season and could turn out to be a pretty good FS.  The SS position is where most of the doubts exist.  Ishmael has potential, but you have to wonder whether he has the overall talent to patrol the deep quadrants and still make an impact in the run game.

At this time, I will list Safety as a desire and not necessarily a NEED.

 

We need a SS...

[Matt_The Iceman_Ryan]

How is safety not the biggest concern aside from OLB?

Right now our starters are Allen (average at best) and Ishmael (average at best)...

[etherdome]

Maybe I should have qualified my assessments.  Here is how I define these priorities:

Need:  The team can not continue to function with the present personnel.  

Desire: This acknowledges that the present personnel are not ideal.  Everyone wants to see an upgrade, but the team can go one more season with who they have.  I think that Ishmael and Allen are both young players that can and probably will get better.  I would prefer to have a better SS, but for now, there is no dire need.

I classify Center and MLB as our only needs for this off season.  

Desires:  Guard, Safety, DT,  TE, and CB. (in order of preference)

 

BTW, I forgot to give DiMarco credit.  I think that he proved his worth this past season.  My hope is that he will figure more in our short yardage situations. 

 

[etherdome]

1 hour ago, CADirtyBird said:

I don't think anyone thought Freeman would produce that much, but I do think he showed he can carry load the by himself as a feature back.

He is our featured RB.  I just don't think that it would be wise to hand him the ball over 20 times/game.  The load, particularly in short yardage situations, should be shared with one or two other RB's.  My hope is that Patrick DiMarco is used more in short yardage situations.  I really don't want to see Freeman run between the tackles against 8-man fronts.